PARANOIA Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

paranoia

noun

Definition of paranoia

as in anxiety

a feeling that one does not know the whole truth or that someone else is not being truthful Each half of the unhappy couple was constantly wracked with paranoia that the other was cheating.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of paranoia This causes paranoia and betrayal among his followers, where his sister Winter (Billie Lourd) meets her fate. — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2026 The real problem is that their alien visitor can take the form of anyone around them, leading to one of the best films ever made about paranoia and distrust. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026 Later on, when King Saul was hunting David out of paranoia, David made some rash decisions. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Sep. 2026 The best psychological thrillers use their characters’ paranoia and uncertainty to create similar feelings of dread and doubt in their viewers. — David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for paranoia

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paranoia

Noun

When the line between general unease with not knowing crosses into anxiety that interferes with daily life, people should seek professional help, said Dugas.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Given Abbey’s anxieties about spending money and fear of not having enough, Stacy plans to use very conservative assumptions for inflation, health costs and average returns when making her projections based on Abbey’s savings today.

— Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

Patients complete an online survey covering their skin concerns, history, current routine and goals, which is reviewed by a clinician licensed in their state.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
YouTube Dividing Lines Drawn The inseparable relationship between YouTube and TV was clear for all to see at MIPCOM Cannes but serious concerns from the latter remain.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of concern

Noun

On Tuesday, Berkeley police investigators arrested Ayubi in El Cerrito for suspicion of two counts of felony hit-and-run.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Searches of the data must be for law enforcement purposes only and there must be reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, the policy states.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of suspicion

Noun

Our server reads our order back to us, shaking his head in theatrical disbelief.

— Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Another customer who was standing in between the singer and employee at the register during the showdown appears to look around in disbelief at what just happened after the hitmaker exits.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of disbelief

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paramours

paranoia

paranoiac

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“Paranoia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paranoia. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of paranoia

noun

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